Nutraceutical: Omega 3s

Indication: Childhood obesity

Source: Am J Clin Nutr, September 2011;94(3):701-8.

Research: This study examined how omega 3 and omega 6 intake during pregnancy might be linked to childhood obesity. The study included 1649 mother-child pairs. Researchers assessed mid-pregnancy intake of omega 3 (DHA and EPA) and omega 6 fatty acids. They also evaluated maternal plasma fatty acid levels and umbilical cord levels of omega 3 and omega 6. The children involved in the study were then assessed at age 3 to determine body mass index (BMI) and skin fold measurements.

Results: It was found that around one fifth of expectant mothers consumed two or more fish meals per week at mid-pregnancy, but only half of those women achieved the recommended 200 mg of DHA per day. Researchers also found that only 3% of women consumed the recommended intake of DHA in the last month of pregnancy when large amounts of DHA are transferred from the mother to the child to support brain development. After follow-up with the children, it was found that the odds of obesity in 3-year-olds were between two and four times higher when cord blood had a high ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids. The odds of childhood obesity were 32% lower when maternal intake of omega 3s was high or if the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 was near the recommended levels. Although these findings need to be confirmed with future studies, it appears that increased omega 3 intake and reduced omega 6 intake during pregnancy may lower the risk of future obesity in children.